There are plenty of choices for registered voters to make when it comes to choosing six councillors on Penticton Council heading into Saturday’s municipal election.
NowMedia reached out to all 24 candidates running to claim one of the six spots on Penticton Council. Many of the candidates did not respond, but the majority did.
We asked all candidates the same questions.
We’ve decided to post their answers in alphabetical order. Following is the response from Julius Bloomfield.
Photo Credit: NowMediaJulius Bloomfield said he would bring balance if elected to Penticton Council in Saturday's municipal election.
What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the City of Penticton should you be elected to Council after the Oct. 20 general election?
“Building a liveable city. This is a combination of dealing with the homeless, ensuring there is adequate housing at all levels, creating and improving parks, attracting and supporting the arts, maintaining the beaches and protecting the natural water and air quality. A liveable city attracts new businesses and their people, It becomes its own living advertisement. It will also help keep a high level of satisfaction with the residents and encourages tourists to come back.”
What do you feel are your greatest assets as someone running for elected office?
“I feel I can bring a balance to Council. I am in business, I understand the needs of business people, yet I am acutely aware of social issues in the city, and I have a keen desire to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. My current job is to listen to people and fulfill their needs as much as possible, I think I can bring that quality to my role as a councillor.”
Photo Credit: NowMedia
Can you please list some of the priorities you believe the new Council should make a priority in the first six months following the election.
“The first job for Council will be the budget review and deliberations. This is no small task for a new Council. Then there is the immediate task of dealing with the homeless and crime. Adopting a ‘housing-first’ style of solution is paramount. I would also like to see the formation of a city-sponsored non-profit agency to help seniors get the help and benefits due to them. After that I think we need to look at the potential for forming residential advisory committees for each area of the city to help with neighbourhood watch and planning issues.”
Photo Credit: Facebook Julius Bloomfield
What is, in your opinion, the best thing about calling Penticton home?
“The natural beauty of the area. When I first saw Penticton I was awestruck with the setting. There is so much potential to turn Penticton into one of the truly great world cities to live in.”
What is, in your opinion, the best thing about calling Penticton home?
“The people. They have shown that they want change, they want a liveable city and they want a city to be proud of. With their will and support the new Council can start implementing the best ideas from this campaign and make the changes that will be the difference that will make the rest of B.C. look up and take notice of what is happening here.”
